1950’s Christmas
TO ALL –
NO MATTER WHAT RELIGION YOU HOLD DEAR, THE VERY BEST WISHES OF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON GO OUT TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. AND, I RAISE A TOAST THAT WE ENJOY A CONTINUED FRIENDSHIP THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR.
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TO THE MILITARY OF EVERY PEACEFUL NATION, THANK YOU! MAY YOU RECEIVE A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR!
A Soldiers Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, And to see just who in this house did live. I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings by the fire, just boots filled with sand, On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kind, A sober thought came through my mind. For this house was different, so dark, so dreary, I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I saw clearly. I heard stories about them, I had to see more, So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping silent alone, Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home. His face so gentle, his room in disorder, Not how I pictured a United States soldier. Was this the hero of whom I’d just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed? His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan, I soon understood this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night, Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.Soon ’round the world, the children would play, And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, Because of soldiers like this one lying here. I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, “Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice; I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more, My life is my God, my country, my Corps. With that he rolled over and drifted back into sleep, I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep. I watched him for hours, so silent and still, I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head. And I put on his T-shirt of gray and black, With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, And for a shining moment, I was U.S. Army deep inside. I didn’t want to leave him on that cold, dark night, This guardian of honor so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice clean and pure, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure.” One look at my watch and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas, my friend, and to all a good night!
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Farewell Salutes –
William Archibald – Park Ridge, IL; US Navy, WWII
Robert Baker – Fairfax, VA; US Air Force, Colonel
Dominick Busceti – Uniondale, NY; US Army, Korea
Frederick King – Washington D.C.; US Air Force, Colonel (Retired)
Billy Laurie – Redding, CA; US Navy, SeeBees
Hector Pina – Chicago, IL; US Army, WWII, 42nd Rainbow Division
David Regner – Chicago, IL; US Army, Korea
Louis Unti – Burr Ridge, IL; US Navy, WWII PTO, USS LST 596
John Wilkin – Paris, Ontario, Canada; RCOC & RCEME, WWII
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PERSONAL NOTE –
I usually post on the holiday’s actual date, but wanted to send this out around the world so that I might reach everyone in EVERY time zone. My warmest wishes and heartiest thank you’s go along with it.
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Posted on December 23, 2013, in Korean War, Uncategorized, WWII and tagged 1950's, Christmas, family history, History, Korean War, Military, nostalgia, veterans, Vintage. Bookmark the permalink. 143 Comments.
Excellent nostalgic post! You do some great stuff on this blog!
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I try to relate something for everybody – eventually anyway. Glad you liked it.
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Belated wishes for a healthy and happy 2014.
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So great to see you! All the best for you as well, Emily.
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Loved the Soldier’s Christmas poem. Also the photo of Liz before the television set, so 50s. She was certainly gorgeous.
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Oh yes, Liz was beautiful. In fact, before finding the photo, I never knew she had done any ads. Thanks for checking in on it.
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As I typed my comment, I said it out loud and my daughter asked who Liz was. So, I did a Google search of her to show my daughter. Such uncommon beauty.
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And I’m also happy to see that curiosity runs in the family!
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Curiosity and quirkiness runs in the family.
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GOOD!!!
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What a lovely post! I hope you and yours had wonderful holidays.
Dina
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Thank you so much – yes we did.
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The 50’s was my first decade, so thank you for the memories of a simpler time. Because I’m a Vietnam vet, I thank you for saluting the military. –John
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I had a small family , but we were well represented in the military – I feel it’s the least I can do. Thank you for your service, John.
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Thank YOU. Whenever I mention that I am a Vietnam vet now, people thank me for my service, but I remember when we were told to travel in civilian clothes while on leave, because of the animosity toward the military while that war was going on. I choke back tears when I see on TV total strangers making it a mission to welcome home soldiers at the airport terminals when they return from the war zone, even in the middle of the night. The country finally got it right.
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I remember those days, even the VFW wouldn’t allow you guys in – “Police action” and all. My dad, Smitty had quite a bit of influence in the Hallandale, FLa. VFW post and would have the Nam vets join there. You fella were short-changed something awful, but I have no idea how to make it up to you.
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You are doing your part with your blog, and I appreciate that.
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I try, Johm – that’s all I can do.
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Wonderful post 🙂
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Thanks, Beverly – Happy New Year!
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Have a WONDERFULLY BLESSED NEW YEAR!
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Thank you, Beverly and all the best to you and yours!!
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Just yesterday! Happy holidays.
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And a wonderful New Year!
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Thank you, as well, to one of my most loyal followers – and a very Happy & Healthy New Year!
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I slip up now and again, but have to say, you do a wonderful job on your site. All the best this coming year!
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Thank you so much. Your interest in my fun means a lot.
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Very interesting post, look forward to reading more of your work.
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Thank you, I’ll look forward to seeing you.
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You prints brought back a ton of memories. May 2014 bring you and your family peace and joy.
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Same to you, Judy. You’ve been a good friend.
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The old Christmas pictures are so much fun. I think that my favorite is the one of the woman standing in front of the TV. I hope that you are having a wonderful holiday season.
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That woman was Liz Taylor, an icon for the times and yes, thank you, a great season!
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Thank you.
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